Man’s death stresses need to stay in vehicle after car accidents

In the moments after a crash, victims often feel confused and disoriented. In spite of the impulse to exit one’s vehicle, emergency responders urge victims to remain inside their vehicles after car accidents unless there are extenuating circumstances. Sadly, for reasons that are yet unclear, a California resident lost his life in the moments after his truck jackknifed.

In the early morning hours of a recent weekday, the California Highway Patrol received reports of a tractor-trailer that was impeding traffic flow along one side of I-5. When they arrived on the scene, they discovered a semi that was hauling a double trailer load had apparently jackknifed and slid into the side of the hill. Sadly, while assessing the scene, they discovered the body of the 59-year-old trucker lying along the shoulder of the road.

Since there were no other vehicles in the vicinity that were suspected of striking the man, police began a search for the vehicle that may have been involved. They reported that they found a 35-year-old man driving a 2016 tractor-trailer traveling a few miles from the accident scene. Upon questioning the driver of the rig, officials determined that he was the individual whose vehicle struck the other driver as he exited the cab of his rig.

It is unclear what led California patrol officers to believe that another tractor-trailer had been involved in this fatal accident, and there has been no statement regarding what, if any, charges the driver could be facing. Though it is recommended for victims to stay in their vehicles, other drivers must exercise caution in order to avoid a more dangerous situation. Those who have suffered either injuries or the loss of a loved one due to car accidents that were the result of another party’s negligence may choose to seek recompense for their damages by means of a civil lawsuit for personal injuries or wrongful death.